THE NUTRITIVE EFFECT OF SACCHAROMYCES-CER EVISIAE ON FATTENING AND CARCASS PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS

The purpose of this feeding trial with 200 male broilers (Lohmann) was to examine the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Strain IP 1079 = L evucell SB2(R), 2 x 10(9) CFU/g) on their fattening and carcass perfor mance over a period of 35 days. The feed which contained 23.6% crude p rotein and 12.9 MJ ME was supplemented with 0, 500, 800, 1000 and 2000 ppm Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Data of the weight performance and the reed conversion rate were recorded every week. At the end of the trial the weight of carcass, stomach, intestine and liver were measured. Th e addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the feed resulted in an incr eased average daily weight gain varying from 2.4% (2000 ppm) to 3.8% ( 1000 ppm) compared to the control group (45.6 g per day). However the differences were not significant. The feed conversion rate also did no t var!; significantly in the supplementation group in comparison with the control group (1.53 g feed/g weight gain). There was no effects on the weight of the carcass, the stomach and the intestine. The weight of the liver showed a significant increase in the lowest supplementati on group. From the results an optimum supplementation of 1000 ppm Levu cell SBSR (= 2 x 10(9) CFU/kg) can be recommended.